Let $X$ be a smooth, projective and geometrically connected curve of genus $g\geq 3$ defined over $\mathbb C$. Suppose the function field $k(X)$ of $X$ takes the form $k(X)=\mathbb C(x)[y]$, where $$y^a=f(x)$$ with $a\geq 3$ an integer and with $f\in \mathbb C[x]$ a separable polynomial of degree $d=\deg(f)\geq 3$.

Question: a) Is it possible to give an upper bound for $d$ and $a$ in terms of $g$?

1 Answer
1

Edit.
Let $\chi(S)=2-2g$ be the Euler characteristic. Hurwitz formula gives
$$\chi(S)=2a-r,$$
where $r$ is the ramification: a branch point of order $k$ contributes
$k-1$ to $r$. As your polynomial has $d$ simple roots, these roots
contribute $(a-1)d$ to the ramification. To find ramification at infinity
we write our equation $w^a=P_d(z)$ as $w^a=z^dh(z)=u^d$,
where $h$ is a holomorphic function at $\infty$,
$h(\infty)\neq 0$, and $u$ a germ of a
meromorphic function with a simple pole at $\infty$.
The last equation factors into irreducible factors:
$$w^a-u^d=\prod_c (w^{a_1}-cu^{d_1}),$$
where $c$ are the roots of unity of degree $m$, $m$ is the greatest
common factor of $a$ and $d$, $d=md_1,$ and $a=ma_1$.

From this we conclude that our Riemann surface $S$ has $m$ ramification
points of order $a_1$ at $\infty$. So we obtain
$$2-2g=2a-(a-1)d-m(a_1-1).$$

Thanks a lot for this precise formula. According to Angelo, this formula follows from Riemann-Hurwitz. Can you explain a bit more how you get this formula from R-H? (I have some troubles with ramification at the points at infinity of the induced map $X\to P^1$)
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RobertApr 25 '13 at 10:43

At the moment I can not vote up your answer, since MO says: Vote Up requires 15 reputation, and I have only 3 reputation. However, as soon as I have enough reputation, I will vote up your answer. To get 15 reputation I have to ask 4 more questions (1 question=3 reputation points)?
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RobertApr 27 '13 at 11:48